Out and About

Debating and Mock Trials 

The St George’s Novice Debating team enjoyed mixed returns last week, competing 

against Scotch College in presenting the negative argument for the motion that

“If we had the technology, should we allow animals to vote”.

We were victorious in one debate but capitulated in the second. 

Last week, we participated in the first round of impromptu debates. This meant that our students were given one hour to prepare their cases. No students were able to access computers or help from outside the room. It is fascinating to see what happens to our students when we place them under this sort of pressure. Some bicker, some wait for help and some lead the way. What impromptu presents us with is a microcosm of the pressures that adults face on a regular basis. As ever, we learn much more from debating than simply how to argue.

Congratulations are due to our debaters: Emme Tribbick , Griffin Bingham, Angus McAullay, Amy Stapley-Oh, Harper Pope, Mason Shoobridge, Evan Ruffles and Milo Gorman, who rose to the challenge and endured a much longer evening. 

Thanks are due to our parents, not only for their support, but also for the snacks they delivered, to tide our speakers over. Our round four debate will be held at 6.15pm at Shenton College next Tuesday evening.

Mr Damien Kerrigan

Head of English and Languages

Supreme Courtroom Drama

The St George’s Draconic Defenders Mock Trial team recently competed in the second round of the WA Law Society Mock Trial Competition, facing off against a team from Guildford Grammar. Held in the Supreme Court of Western Australia, the trial was a criminal case involving a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Guildford took on the role of the prosecution, while our team represented the defence. The case centred on an allegation that Mr Gandolfini—played convincingly by Indi Caudo—had threatened a witness in another trial, allegedly warning the victim he would receive a “blower in your face” if he gave evidence. The threat was said to have been made by Mr Gandolfini when he was the driver of the Uber the victim and his colleague were taking home. 

The defence case was that although Mr Gandolfini had driven the pair home the night before, he was not the driver on the night in question and did not make any threat. Crucially, Mr Gandolfini was with his business partner, Ms Falco, played by Maisy Liddy-Morrow, at the time that the victim was being driven home by some unknown third party. 

Our legal team rose to the occasion with impressive skill. Cooper Grant stepped in as defence barrister at the last minute after another teammate was unable to attend due to illness. Cooper worked alongside fellow barrister Fred Keane and Izabella Kodituwakku served as instructing solicitor. Zoe Ratcliffe supported the team in her role as reserve.

Despite a narrow loss — just three points behind — we were proud to secure a not guilty verdict for our client. The team has taken away valuable experience from this intense and rewarding round and is already preparing with renewed focus for the next challenge. 

Congratulations to all participants on their professionalism, resilience, and teamwork.

Mr Ken Maddess

Head of Humanities